AfriGeneas States Research Forum

I also agree with Richard,
He gave me the same advice when I went to Ms. This is a small town. I certainly learned what 'rolling up the sidewalks' meant by 6pm. Everything closed up around that time. There was no public transportation, I had to have my own rental car. Another internet friend recommended a nice, clean bed and breakfast. This was located down the street from the local police station. I went into court house, local library place of records open to the public, with a 'friendly smile' and please and thank you's every day. It's amazing how well this worked. People pointed me to places I did not have on my research map. I was given information about the land my people once owned and worked and my well being was always a concern by the people I met at the Bed and Breakfast. My little town was Aberdeen Ms. I flew into Columbus Ms tri-city airpot on what I call a 'crop duster' but drove back to Atlanta Ga and took an AIRPLANE home. I do not like those small planes. I started planning a year in advance, but still did not know so much more. A lot about 'little' things was not on the internet. Xerox Copy everything that is your surnames of interest and I mean any and everything. Read it when you get home. Time fly's fast. Some records just seemed to desappear later after you leave. BUT I have copies of originals safely stored at home. Ex. Copy every marriage record, deed, bond, colored and white records anything you think you may not be able to order when you get home. Ask about the records in the basement or attic as if you KNOW where they are stored. No one told me about these at the court house until the day I left. I just wonder what did I miss. Make friends with the locals. Everybody knows everybody. Tell them about who and why you are researching. You'll get folks coming to look for you with information about cousin so and so and other long ago good gossip. Oh yes take some gloves, cotton preferably or latex if that's all you have. You don't want to get oily fingerprints on the documents. Show with your actions that you care. And above all..always always travel safe. Start putting stuff in that luggage NOW. One more thing and I will end here. It is very important to NEVER take your original research notes or pictures. ONLY travel with copies. If you accidentally loose something you know it's at home. Lap Top Computers get stolen or lost. Be vigilant with these items. Safe guard yours and living families information.. Identity theft is alive and well. And all of those address labels that you get in the mail. Stick one on every personal research item, or electronic item. Even one inside your purse or wallet. There may be some racism displayed. Try to ignore it and KEEP FOCUSED. The ancestor's sent you.